Gary Moran, RHP, was drafted by the Giants. Photo courtesy SSU Athletics
On May 17th the Sonoma State Seawolves were one inning away from their second consecutive trip to the Division II College Baseball World Series. They wouldn't have been that close were it not for their undisputed ace, Gary Moran.
Moran dominated the CCAA and NCAA D-II West Region in 2009. So much so that the Giants decided to select the Senior right hander with the 1227th overall pick; marking the third time the talented Moran has been drafted.
A pure pitcher, Moran was named the CCAA’s, and West Region’s Pitcher of the Year this season. He was also voted Second Team All-American by each of the three major voting organizations; Daktronics, the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA), and the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA).
Moran won't blow hitters away with a blazing fastball, but he can torment them with a nasty curve and pin point accuracy. The 6-8, 235 pound righty throws a heavy ball with late sink and deceptive movement. All key ingredients to his great Senior season that saw him go 7-2, and set a school record in '09 with an ERA of 1.37. But what makes Moran draft-worthy was his 71 strike outs to only 10 walks in 78.2 innings pitched, while holding opponents to a .203 batting average.
The Madera native took a circuitous route to this point. As mentioned, Moran's been drafted twice previously, but two arm surgeries prolonged his ascent to professional baseball. "He's taken the long road to pro ball," SSU Associate Head Coach Walter White says. "But he's had two consecutive healthy years for us. He was the best pitcher in the region, and he has the accolades to prove it."
Overall Moran, a Fresno City College transfer, went 15-5 at SSU, with an ERA of 2.26, second all time at Sonoma. His head coach, John Goelz, and Walter White, anticipated Moran getting a chance to pitch at the next level, and are thrilled it has come to fruition.
White thinks "the best is yet to come," for Moran. "He has a great pitcher's mind, he can really make the ball move, he's really a polished pitcher." Continuing to praise his pupil White added; "I'm extremely proud of the guy, extremely excited for him, he's one of the greatest guys I've had the privilege to coach, I just love him."
When asked what the ceiling is for a late round Division two arm out of a small school in the wine country White is optimistic; "If he get's a little bit of an opportunity he'll do fine, I could see him pitching in the big leagues."
Moran-Pandemonium:
♦ Gary Moran drafted by San Francisco Giants
♦ Moran Top Pitcher; Seven Named To All-CCAA Team
♦ Gary Moran Named West Region Pitcher Of The Year
♦ Moran, Bridges Named To ABCA/Rawlings Squad
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